Ritchie County judge candidate faces ethics allegations

HARRISVILLE, W.Va. -- A Ritchie County judicial candidate is facing allegations of violating the rules of professional conduct.

Harrisville attorney Ira Haught is accused of converting a client's money for his own use. He also is accused in a separate case of trying to deceive investigators about his clients. Haught denies the allegations.

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel says the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel has scheduled a Friday hearing on the allegations.

Haught is the Republican nominee for judge in the Third Judicial Circuit. The circuit includes Ritchie, Doddridge and Pleasants counties. He will face Democrat Tim Sweeney of Pleasants County in the November general election.